News
Senators Stabenow, Peters Urge Funding to Keep Fisheries Healthy, Strengthen Great Lakes Economy
U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today urged Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell to fund mass marking programs in next year's budget. Mass marking is a tool used to collect data and measure the effectiveness of fish protection, habitat, and water quality. If approved, these programs will allow researchers to tag Great Lakes fish with a barcode chip prior to stocking. This practice will help researchers understand how hatchery fish affect the population levels of wild fish. Senato… Continue Reading
06.09.15
Senators Stabenow, Peters Urge Funding to Upgrade Soo Locks, Protect Great Lakes Economy
U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today urged Office of Management and Budget Director Sean Donovan to approve the Army Corps of Engineers' request to help replace Sault Ste. Marie's Davis and Sabin Locks with a lock of similar size to the Poe Lock. Currently, 70 percent of cargo vessels are forced to use the Poe Lock because they are too large to use the others. Replacing the smaller locks would ensure the safe and efficient transport of cargo through the Great Lakes. Senator Staben… Continue Reading
06.05.15
Stabenow, Peters Announce Green Infrastructure Grant for Muskegon
U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow, Co-Chair of the Great Lakes Task Force, and Gary Peters, member of the Great Lakes Task Force today applauded the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative announcement to allocate $110,448 to the City of Muskegon to fund green infrastructure projects. The City of Muskegon plans to use the grant to install one constructed wetland, two rain gardens, and one bioswale to help the community prevent the discharge of more than 5 million gallons of untreated stormwater into Musk… Continue Reading
06.05.15
Senators Stabenow, Collins Introduce Measure to Support Service Members, Veterans and Families Affected by Alzheimer’s Disease
U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced a bipartisan measure to help military families combat Alzheimer's disease and support those suffering or caring for a military family member with this devastating illness. More than 5 million Americans are living with this disease, and more than 15 million people serve as their caregivers. This measure, offered as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, promotes the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's under the T… Continue Reading
06.05.15
Senator Stabenow Attends Deloitte’s Annual Impact Day in Detroit
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow attended Deloitte's 16th Annual Impact Day on June 5. The event supported Detroit nonprofits and focused on the importance of giving back to communities across the country. Hundreds of employees of Deloitte, which provides audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to companies worldwide, volunteered with several groups across metro Detroit. Senator Stabenow visited project sites at the Belle Isle Conservancy and Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michiga… Continue Reading
06.04.15
Senator Stabenow Announces $1.5 Million for Filer Township Water Project
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today announced support for Filer Township in Manistee County. The $1,500,000 grant will be used to support necessary improvements to the community's wastewater system. This investment is part of Senator Stabenow's 2014 Farm Bill, which increased funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development Water and Environmental programs. "The 2014 Farm Bill increased suppor… Continue Reading
06.04.15
Senator Stabenow Announces Support for Reed City Police Department to Buy New Police Car
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today announced support for the Reed City Police Department in Osceola County. This funding comes through the USDA's Rural Development Community Facility Grant program, which funds critical infrastructure in rural communities across the country. The $17,250 grant will be used to help the community purchase a new police vehicle. "Police officers have to cover many miles to protect our fami… Continue Reading
06.03.15
Senator Stabenow Statement on Canadian Government Nuclear Waste Site Announcement
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow issued the following statement regarding the Canadian government's announcement to collect public comments which will help determine whether or not an underground nuclear waste facility will be built off of the shores of Lake Huron: "I encourage the Canadian government to use this additional time to look closely at the recommendations issued in their own report that acknowledge the significant environmental risks of this project. I have been opposed to this plan from… Continue Reading
06.03.15
Senators Stabenow, Peters Announce Nearly $9 Million for Detroit Metro Airport to Rehabilitate Taxiway
U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today announced support for the Metro Detroit Airport to rehabilitate its taxiway. The $8,800,000 grant comes through the U.S. Department of Transportation. "This investment will make travelling to and from Southeast Michigan safer and more efficient," said Stabenow. "By supporting Metro Airport, we're also encouraging businesses to invest in the region and create jobs." "Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is a critical hub for Michigan's econ… Continue Reading
05.29.15
Senator Stabenow Applauds Nomination of Pipeline Safety Administrator
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) applauded the Obama Administration's nomination of Marie Therese Dominguez to lead the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). Senator Stabenow (D-MI), along with Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), urged the Obama Administration last week to nominate a permanent administrator to lead this agency, which is critical to preventing oil pipeline spills and accidents that harm Michigan communities. "Today's announcement of Marie Therese Dominguez t… Continue Reading
05.29.15
Senator Stabenow: Replacing Aging Soo Locks Critical to Economy, National Security
Sault Ste. Marie - U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow visited the Soo Locks and highlighted the critical role they play in our nation's ability to ship commercial goods from iron ore to wheat. U.S. iron ore, a commodity vital to American manufacturers and our national defense, can only be transported from mines to steel mills by ship in the Great Lakes. Stabenow met with members of the Detroit District of the Army Corps of Engineers, the Coast Guard, and Customs and Border Protection. During the meet… Continue Reading
05.28.15
In Sault Ste. Marie, Senator Stabenow Highlights Bipartisan HOPE for Alzheimer’s Act
Sault Ste. Marie, MI - U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow highlighted legislation to help people who are living with Alzheimer's disease and support those caring for a family member with this devastating illness. The Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act would provide Alzheimer's patients and their families with much-needed information about the disease and possible treatment options. The bill creates a new care-management planning session for newly diagnosed Alzheimer's … Continue Reading
05.28.15
Senators Stabenow, Peters Announce Support for Southeast Michigan Fire Departments
U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters announced support for two fire departments in Southeast Michigan to improve operations and safety. These grants come through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and the Fire Prevention and Safety Program. The Armada Township Fire Department will receive $110,715 and the Springfield Township Fire Department will receive $60,138. "Our firefighters put so much on the line to safeguard our communities, and … Continue Reading
05.26.15
Senators Stabenow, Peters Introduce Bill to Keep Plastic Beads out of Great Lakes
U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced legislation to protect the Great Lakes from pollution caused by small, plastic microbeads that are ingredients in certain soaps and personal care products. These microbeads are able to get through water treatment facilities and end up floating in the Great Lakes, where they can build up as plastic pollution and are often mistaken for food by fish. The Microbeads Free Waters Act of 2015 protects the Great Lakes by phasing out … Continue Reading
05.22.15
Senate Passes Trade Bill that Fails to Protect American Businesses, Jobs
The U.S. Senate passed trade legislation that fails to crack down on other countries that cheat on the value of their currency. It also does not include any other trade enforcement provisions to protect American jobs. Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) is the legislative vehicle that grants the President fast track authority to negotiate trade deals. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Rob Portman (R-OH) offered an amendment to TPA that would have created a clear negotiating objective directing the… Continue Reading
05.22.15
Stabenow Statement on Vote to Include Enforceable Currency Provisions, Protect American Jobs
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow issued the following statement regarding the Senate vote on her bipartisan amendment to Trade Promotion Authority legislation that would add clear language to require that any future trade agreements include enforceable currency provisions. The amendment failed by a vote of 48-51. "If this fast track trade bill passes the Senate, it is deeply disturbing that it will not include language needed to protect American workers and businesses. Currency manipulation has alre… Continue Reading
05.21.15
Senator Stabenow Introduces Bill to Expand Advanced Vehicle Technology
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow introduced legislation to expand an advanced vehicle manufacturing loan program that helps automobile and parts manufacturers to retool their plants to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles. The Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing (ATVM) loan program, authored by Senator Stabenow and signed into law in 2007, allows automakers to produce the next generation of vehicles here at home. The Building Better Trucks Act will expand the ATVM program to allow manufacturer… Continue Reading
05.21.15
Senators Stabenow and Thune Reintroduce Bill to Advance Agricultural Research
U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Agriculture Committee, and John Thune (R-SD), member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, today reintroduced legislation to support agricultural research. The Charitable Agricultural Research Act encourages the creation of public-private partnerships to boost funding and spur innovation for agricultural research. Senators Stabenow and Thune, members of the Senate Finance Committee, introduced this legislation las… Continue Reading
05.21.15
Senator Stabenow Introduces Bill to Advance Agricultural Research
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today introduced legislation to support agricultural research. The Charitable Agricultural Research Act, which is cosponsored by John Thune (R-SD), encourages the creation of public-private partnerships to boost funding and spur innovation for agricultural research. This will allow colleges like Michigan State University to continue their work to help make sure there is a safe and steady … Continue Reading
05.21.15
Stabenow, Peters Call for Permanent Administrator to Lead Pipeline Safety Agency
U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters (MI) joined eight of their Senate colleagues to send a letter urging the White House to nominate a permanent administrator to lead the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), which plays a vital role in protecting communities across Michigan from spills and accidents while ensuring the safe flow of energy products. The most recent permanent PHMSA administrator left the position in October, more than 220 days ago. "Given PHMSA'… Continue Reading
